Intel and Ziva Dynamics: Powering the Animation Revolution

Legendary Pictures’ Pacific Rim: Uprising* is a sci-fi action thriller in which giant robots battle giant space creatures, called Kaiju, amidst a sea of destruction. As the much-vaunted sequel to Pacific Rim, this action-packed film was released to wide admiration for its special effects. Creating animated characters like the Kaiju that look realistic is a challenging task, as any visual-effects (VFX) studio will tell you. And considering the sheer size of these creatures, DNEG—the VFX studio in charge of developing the animations for Pacific Rim: Uprising—had some real challenges. Creating any animated creature is a time-consuming process that requires massive amounts of work. Then, having them move in realistic ways presents a whole new set of challenges. Multiply that by the Kaiju characters’ sheer size and any discrepancies come front and center.

 

Spotlight

KVRX-FM

91.7 KVRX-FM stands alone in the "Live Music Capital of the World"​ as the consummate source for indie and underrepresented music. Its student-produced programming is a true alternative station and consequently boasts a wide array of listeners near and far. KVRX maintains a substantial "new music bin"​ including hip-hop, blues, jazz, folk, country, techno and metal genres. Listeners enjoy at least five different genres and two Texas bands each hour. Most recently, The 'Austin Chronicle'​ recognized KVRX’s programming as the Best in Austin and its weekly "Local Live"​ program as the third Best Music Program.

OTHER ARTICLES
Technologies, Virtualization

Games video creators can help attract new audiences to esports, if rights holders empower them to

Article | August 2, 2022

Those who have been following MIDiA’s games coverage for a while will have seen our posts about the growth problem of esports and suggestions around putting focus on the entertainment angle, rather than just on the sports angle, in order to most effectively capitalise on the opportunity. We have known for a while that esports viewers are only a subset of the broader games-related video viewing audience.We also know that esports audiences enjoy live entertainment in general, more so than many other entertainment consumer segments. MIDiA’s Q1 2021 consumer survey enabled us to dive deeper into how this opportunity can be approached. As a part of our upcoming Esports Viewer Dossier 2021 update, we have looked at the esports viewers, in comparison to consumers who say they watch games-related videos but not esports. The former represents the current state of play, while the latter represents esports’ potential audience growth opportunity.

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Technologies

Why Shares of AMC Entertainment Are Surging Today

Article | February 14, 2022

It was just two weeks ago that it looked as if the COVID-19 pandemic would push AMC into bankruptcy, as forced theater closures shut off revenue to the world's biggest cinema operator. The company also slashed its dividend, and executives all took pay cuts to help conserve cash. Investors should still be wary, even if AMC is able to open many of its theaters sooner than the mid-June date it had been eyeing.

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Virtualization, Media and Broadcasting

Watch out Warzone and Fortnite: Ubisoft is coming after free-to-play

Article | July 13, 2022

Ubisoft announced last week that it is adding specific focus on free-to-play, alongside its AAA catalogue. In doing so, it is following a route that has been very successful for Activision with its Warzone strategy. Free-to-play games which draw audiences via big franchise names and monetise via in-game spending are going to be increasingly common among AAA publishers. The focus on in-game spending and particularly on the cosmetic, rather than the progress-related, parts will be the key revenue component. As games become less finite and more perpetual (consumer goal is less about ‘finishing them’ and more and ‘playing/spending time in them’), the opportunity to monetise needs that stem from this perpetual engagement (e.g. socialising or expression) starts to outweigh the mere monetisation of access to a packaged product. Simultaneously, free-to-play games also act as a powerful marketing driver for AAA releases as they come out, as well as streamability and word of mouth for the franchise.

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Virtualization

Netflix versus Amazon Prime Video – depth versus breadth

Article | June 10, 2021

The first half of 2021 has been a year of continued change and disruption for subscription video. The global incumbent subscription video on demand (SVOD) leaders, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, have been busy signalling to the financial markets how they intend to entrench their market dominance in light of the ongoing market acquisition pushes unleashed by the D2C disruptors following the D2C ‘big bang’ moment of Q4 2019 – Q2 2021. Netflix announced in January that it was no longer going to borrow on the financial markets to fund its day-to-day operations – specifically for its content acquisition budget, which is now driven predominately by commissioning original content for its service. This leaves the SVOD leader with $14.9 billion of outstanding long-term debt to service as it seeks to live within its means by commissioning future content from its ongoing cashflow. In Q1 2021 alone Netflix spent $500 million on servicing this debt pile versus $1.7 billion in net income generated over the same period.

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Spotlight

KVRX-FM

91.7 KVRX-FM stands alone in the "Live Music Capital of the World"​ as the consummate source for indie and underrepresented music. Its student-produced programming is a true alternative station and consequently boasts a wide array of listeners near and far. KVRX maintains a substantial "new music bin"​ including hip-hop, blues, jazz, folk, country, techno and metal genres. Listeners enjoy at least five different genres and two Texas bands each hour. Most recently, The 'Austin Chronicle'​ recognized KVRX’s programming as the Best in Austin and its weekly "Local Live"​ program as the third Best Music Program.

Related News

Technologies

Nielsen and Cox Media Group Reach Multi-Year Agreement for Television and Audio Measurement Services

Nielsen | March 04, 2022

Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) and Cox Media Group announced a multi-year renewal agreement for television and audio measurement services covering Cox Media Group local television stations in 10 full service television markets and Cox Media Group local radio stations in 10 full service radio markets. With this agreement, Cox Media Group stations will continue to utilize a comprehensive suite of Nielsen measurement services to demonstrate audience value to advertisers. The agreement also includes CoxReps, a nationwide network of media professionals, which provides television sales representation of broadcasters with a wide network of advertising agencies. Included in the agreement is Nielsen Local Media Impact, which has been licensed by CMG radio stations in Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Fla., Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Tampa, to help optimize advertising campaigns. CMG radio stations will also have access to the National Regional Database (NRD), a customizable tool of radio listening information for every market that Nielsen Audio surveys. The agreement also renews access of CMG radio stations to Nielsen Scarborough, which provides local market research and measures 2,000 market categories. Additionally, the stations will continue to have access to Scarborough MARS Healthcare Module to help maximize advertising strategies for CMG's growing healthcare segment. CoxReps, along with CMG television stations, have also renewed with Nielsen Scarborough. CMG television stations also subscribe to Arianna which delivers local market overnight TV audience estimates providing analytics on program performance as well as trending programs and time periods, and Nielsen's Local TV View (NLTV). Additionally, CMG will also utilize Grabix, a web-based application marrying Nielsen's minute-by-minute television audience metrics to actual audio and video content. Cox also subscribes to Nielsen Radio County Coverage data, which provides local insights by breaking out of the standard Nielsen Radio metro boundaries for a broader understanding of listeners. About Nielsen Nielsen shapes the world's media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. About Cox Media Group Cox Media Group, Inc. (CMG) is an industry-leading media company with dominant brands, award-winning content, and exceptional people. CMG provides valuable local content to viewers in the communities in which it serves. The company's operations primarily include 33 high-quality, market-leading television stations in 20 markets, 53 top-performing radio stations delivering all genres of content in 11 markets, and numerous streaming and digital platforms. CMG's portfolio includes primary affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo and MyNetworkTV, as well as several valuable news and independent stations. Additionally, the company also offers a full suite of national, regional, local and digital advertising services with CMG Local Solutions, CoxReps and Gamut.

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Technologies

Netflix to Acquire Finnish Mobile Game Developer Next Games

Netflix, Inc | March 02, 2022

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced that it has entered into a combination agreement to acquire Next Games (NXTGMS). Under the terms of the agreement, Netflix will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Next Games. Pursuant to the offer, Next Games shareholders will receive €2.1 in cash per share of Next Games, for a total equity value of approximately €65 million. The Board of Directors of Next Games has unanimously decided to recommend that the shareholders accept the tender offer. Next Games has a seasoned management team, strong track record with mobile games based on entertainment franchises, and solid operational capabilities, We are excited for Next Games to join Netflix as a core studio in a strategic region and key talent market, expanding our internal game studio capabilities. While we're just getting started in games, I am confident that together with Next Games we will be able to build a portfolio of world class games that will delight our members around the world." Michael Verdu, Vice President of Games, Netflix. Founded in 2013 and led by Teemu Huuhtanen, Next Games creates and operates engaging mobile games with global appeal and an authentic and social fan experience at its core. The company's strategy is to develop games based on popular entertainment IP, such as Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales, a story-driven puzzle role playing game (RPG) inspired by one of Netflix's most watched series. The company had approximately 120 employees at the end of 2021 and reported sales of approximately €27.2 million in 2020, with 95% of revenues generated from in-game purchases. We have had an unwavering focus to execute on our vision: to become the partner of choice for global entertainment businesses and craft authentic and long-lasting interactive entertainment based on the world's most beloved franchises, Joining forces with the world's largest streaming service, Netflix, presents an opportunity for a logical and exciting continuation of our strategy to craft interactive experiences for the world to enjoy. Our close collaboration with Netflix on Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales has already proven that together we create a strong partnership. This is a unique opportunity to level-up the studio on all fronts and continue on our mission together." Teemu Huuhtanen, Chief Executive Officer, Next Games. About Netflix Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 222 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

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Business

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES NEIL DIAMOND'S COMPLETE SONG CATALOG AND ALL MASTER RECORDINGS

Universal Music Group | March 02, 2022

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the acquisition of the entirety of Neil Diamond's historic song catalog through Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), its leading global publishing division, as well as the rights to all recordings from his career, including 110 unreleased tracks, an unreleased album and archival long form videos. The deal builds upon UMPG's existing relationship with Diamond, as the company has served as his publishing administrator since 2014. Additionally, UMG's agreement with Diamond cements a professional homecoming, reuniting his early Bang recordings and post-1972 recordings with those he recorded exclusively with UMG's MCA Records between 1968 and 1972, a period in which he created and released hits such as "Sweet Caroline," "Holly Holy," and the chart-toppers "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Song Sung Blue." Since 2013, UMG and Diamond have enjoyed a fruitful recording agreement and licensing deal for the non-MCA recordings through its Capitol Music Group division and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), a close working relationship that produced three albums. Under the new agreement, which includes previously unreleased tracks, UMG will also record and release Diamond's future music, should he decide to return to the studio. After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together and I feel confident in the knowledge that Lucian, Jody, Bruce, Michelle and the global team at UMG, will continue to represent my catalogue, and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fueled my career." Neil Diamond. Neil Diamond is by definition, a truly universal songwriter. His immense songbook and recordings encompass some of the most cherished and enduring songs in music history. Through our existing partnership, we are honored to have earned his trust to become the permanent custodians of his monumental musical legacy." Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group. A Brooklyn native, Diamond was inspired to become a songwriter when he was still a teenager, after Pete Seeger performed at his summer camp and Diamond saw fellow campers sharing their own music with the celebrated folksinger. Some years later, Diamond ended up dropping out of New York University to pursue his creative dream full time, only to endure several very lean years as a freelance songwriter, often subsisting on hot dogs and hard candy. Diamond finally broke through when he stopped writing for others and started exploring songs about his own experiences and feelings. His ideas and authentic voice ultimately gave rise to a global career that inspired not just millions of fans, but also some of the world's finest performers. Diamond's work has become woven into the very fabric of American popular culture in other ways, too. "Sweet Caroline" is one of a handful of pop anthems that compel fans of all abilities (or none at all) to sing along with unrestrained joy, as Red Sox fans do during their seventh inning stretch in Boston's Fenway Park. Perhaps it is fitting that "Sweet Caroline" has become entwined with America's pastime, because Diamond's own ascent – one of aspiration, determination, and the sweetness of success – is a quintessentially American story. But his reach extends far beyond America, with the song sung on soccer terraces in the U.K. by supporters of the English national team, at ice hockey games in Canada, and by WBC World Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, serenading the crowd at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas following his knockout victory over Deontay Wilder. As previously announced, the world premiere of The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise, a new musical production from Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio, inspired by his life will open for a strictly limited six-week engagement at Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre on Tuesday, June 21, before heading to Broadway, with tickets on sale in early March. Diamond's accolades, among others, include a Grammy, a Golden Globe, Kennedy Center Honors and an ASCAP Film and Television Music Award, as well as induction into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Such achievements reflect Diamond's relentless devotion to his craft, and his songs' enduring appeal to hope. By acquiring Diamond's entire catalog, all masters and unreleased concert video – and through ongoing collaboration with the artist himself – UMG is determined that new and growing audiences will remember this unmatched singer and his music for generations to come. Neil Diamond was represented in the transaction by Gene Salomon from Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. and his manager Katie Diamond. About Universal Music Group At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans.

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Technologies

Nielsen and Cox Media Group Reach Multi-Year Agreement for Television and Audio Measurement Services

Nielsen | March 04, 2022

Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) and Cox Media Group announced a multi-year renewal agreement for television and audio measurement services covering Cox Media Group local television stations in 10 full service television markets and Cox Media Group local radio stations in 10 full service radio markets. With this agreement, Cox Media Group stations will continue to utilize a comprehensive suite of Nielsen measurement services to demonstrate audience value to advertisers. The agreement also includes CoxReps, a nationwide network of media professionals, which provides television sales representation of broadcasters with a wide network of advertising agencies. Included in the agreement is Nielsen Local Media Impact, which has been licensed by CMG radio stations in Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Fla., Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Tampa, to help optimize advertising campaigns. CMG radio stations will also have access to the National Regional Database (NRD), a customizable tool of radio listening information for every market that Nielsen Audio surveys. The agreement also renews access of CMG radio stations to Nielsen Scarborough, which provides local market research and measures 2,000 market categories. Additionally, the stations will continue to have access to Scarborough MARS Healthcare Module to help maximize advertising strategies for CMG's growing healthcare segment. CoxReps, along with CMG television stations, have also renewed with Nielsen Scarborough. CMG television stations also subscribe to Arianna which delivers local market overnight TV audience estimates providing analytics on program performance as well as trending programs and time periods, and Nielsen's Local TV View (NLTV). Additionally, CMG will also utilize Grabix, a web-based application marrying Nielsen's minute-by-minute television audience metrics to actual audio and video content. Cox also subscribes to Nielsen Radio County Coverage data, which provides local insights by breaking out of the standard Nielsen Radio metro boundaries for a broader understanding of listeners. About Nielsen Nielsen shapes the world's media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. About Cox Media Group Cox Media Group, Inc. (CMG) is an industry-leading media company with dominant brands, award-winning content, and exceptional people. CMG provides valuable local content to viewers in the communities in which it serves. The company's operations primarily include 33 high-quality, market-leading television stations in 20 markets, 53 top-performing radio stations delivering all genres of content in 11 markets, and numerous streaming and digital platforms. CMG's portfolio includes primary affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo and MyNetworkTV, as well as several valuable news and independent stations. Additionally, the company also offers a full suite of national, regional, local and digital advertising services with CMG Local Solutions, CoxReps and Gamut.

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Technologies

Netflix to Acquire Finnish Mobile Game Developer Next Games

Netflix, Inc | March 02, 2022

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced that it has entered into a combination agreement to acquire Next Games (NXTGMS). Under the terms of the agreement, Netflix will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Next Games. Pursuant to the offer, Next Games shareholders will receive €2.1 in cash per share of Next Games, for a total equity value of approximately €65 million. The Board of Directors of Next Games has unanimously decided to recommend that the shareholders accept the tender offer. Next Games has a seasoned management team, strong track record with mobile games based on entertainment franchises, and solid operational capabilities, We are excited for Next Games to join Netflix as a core studio in a strategic region and key talent market, expanding our internal game studio capabilities. While we're just getting started in games, I am confident that together with Next Games we will be able to build a portfolio of world class games that will delight our members around the world." Michael Verdu, Vice President of Games, Netflix. Founded in 2013 and led by Teemu Huuhtanen, Next Games creates and operates engaging mobile games with global appeal and an authentic and social fan experience at its core. The company's strategy is to develop games based on popular entertainment IP, such as Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales, a story-driven puzzle role playing game (RPG) inspired by one of Netflix's most watched series. The company had approximately 120 employees at the end of 2021 and reported sales of approximately €27.2 million in 2020, with 95% of revenues generated from in-game purchases. We have had an unwavering focus to execute on our vision: to become the partner of choice for global entertainment businesses and craft authentic and long-lasting interactive entertainment based on the world's most beloved franchises, Joining forces with the world's largest streaming service, Netflix, presents an opportunity for a logical and exciting continuation of our strategy to craft interactive experiences for the world to enjoy. Our close collaboration with Netflix on Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales has already proven that together we create a strong partnership. This is a unique opportunity to level-up the studio on all fronts and continue on our mission together." Teemu Huuhtanen, Chief Executive Officer, Next Games. About Netflix Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 222 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

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Business

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES NEIL DIAMOND'S COMPLETE SONG CATALOG AND ALL MASTER RECORDINGS

Universal Music Group | March 02, 2022

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the acquisition of the entirety of Neil Diamond's historic song catalog through Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), its leading global publishing division, as well as the rights to all recordings from his career, including 110 unreleased tracks, an unreleased album and archival long form videos. The deal builds upon UMPG's existing relationship with Diamond, as the company has served as his publishing administrator since 2014. Additionally, UMG's agreement with Diamond cements a professional homecoming, reuniting his early Bang recordings and post-1972 recordings with those he recorded exclusively with UMG's MCA Records between 1968 and 1972, a period in which he created and released hits such as "Sweet Caroline," "Holly Holy," and the chart-toppers "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Song Sung Blue." Since 2013, UMG and Diamond have enjoyed a fruitful recording agreement and licensing deal for the non-MCA recordings through its Capitol Music Group division and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), a close working relationship that produced three albums. Under the new agreement, which includes previously unreleased tracks, UMG will also record and release Diamond's future music, should he decide to return to the studio. After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together and I feel confident in the knowledge that Lucian, Jody, Bruce, Michelle and the global team at UMG, will continue to represent my catalogue, and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fueled my career." Neil Diamond. Neil Diamond is by definition, a truly universal songwriter. His immense songbook and recordings encompass some of the most cherished and enduring songs in music history. Through our existing partnership, we are honored to have earned his trust to become the permanent custodians of his monumental musical legacy." Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group. A Brooklyn native, Diamond was inspired to become a songwriter when he was still a teenager, after Pete Seeger performed at his summer camp and Diamond saw fellow campers sharing their own music with the celebrated folksinger. Some years later, Diamond ended up dropping out of New York University to pursue his creative dream full time, only to endure several very lean years as a freelance songwriter, often subsisting on hot dogs and hard candy. Diamond finally broke through when he stopped writing for others and started exploring songs about his own experiences and feelings. His ideas and authentic voice ultimately gave rise to a global career that inspired not just millions of fans, but also some of the world's finest performers. Diamond's work has become woven into the very fabric of American popular culture in other ways, too. "Sweet Caroline" is one of a handful of pop anthems that compel fans of all abilities (or none at all) to sing along with unrestrained joy, as Red Sox fans do during their seventh inning stretch in Boston's Fenway Park. Perhaps it is fitting that "Sweet Caroline" has become entwined with America's pastime, because Diamond's own ascent – one of aspiration, determination, and the sweetness of success – is a quintessentially American story. But his reach extends far beyond America, with the song sung on soccer terraces in the U.K. by supporters of the English national team, at ice hockey games in Canada, and by WBC World Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, serenading the crowd at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas following his knockout victory over Deontay Wilder. As previously announced, the world premiere of The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise, a new musical production from Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio, inspired by his life will open for a strictly limited six-week engagement at Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre on Tuesday, June 21, before heading to Broadway, with tickets on sale in early March. Diamond's accolades, among others, include a Grammy, a Golden Globe, Kennedy Center Honors and an ASCAP Film and Television Music Award, as well as induction into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Such achievements reflect Diamond's relentless devotion to his craft, and his songs' enduring appeal to hope. By acquiring Diamond's entire catalog, all masters and unreleased concert video – and through ongoing collaboration with the artist himself – UMG is determined that new and growing audiences will remember this unmatched singer and his music for generations to come. Neil Diamond was represented in the transaction by Gene Salomon from Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. and his manager Katie Diamond. About Universal Music Group At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans.

Read More

Events